Employment and Temporary Agencies

Employment agencies are typically geared to finding positions for clients in the field of business.

In some states, agencies may not legally charge applicants for job placement, so be sure you know your state's laws before signing with an agency. Where charging is permitted, read the application and contract carefully to be sure you understand exactly what payments you will be obligated to make.

Temporary agencies may also legally charge you a fee for employment obtained as a result of a temporary assignment, even if it is not related to the work you performed. If you are working as a word-processing temp in a major law firm and learn that the firmÃ.s art curator is leaving, you apply for the position, and you are hired, you may be obligated to pay the temporary agency a percentage of your annual salary or a flat fee, depending on the length of time you have worked for the agency.

Working for temporary agencies does have many benefits. Temporary agencies can provide steady work and steady income at fairly good hourly rates ($10 or $15 per hour) if you have good basic office and computer skills. This can be very important when you are an episodic earner, as are many people who make their careers in the arts. In addition, having the flexibility to leave your job when a good opportunity arises is essential. Many temporary agencies also offer health benefits if you work enough hours monthly. So consider temporary agencies and temporary employment when you are thinking about the best ways to pursue your career path and still pay the bills.